Press release from the Asheville Police Department (APD):
The Asheville Police Department is the first law enforcement agency in the United States to be granted a first-of-its-kind waiver from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), allowing APD to use drones more efficiently, reducing response times and improving the overall public safety of our residents and visitors.
On January 15, the FAA granted APD a Part 91 Certificate of Waiver or Authorization, which allows APD’s drone pilots to operate drones Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) without visual observers up to 200 feet Above Ground Level (AGL) in Class G airspace and up to the maximum UAS Facility Maps (UASFM) limits in Class C airspace. This authorization sets a new standard for public safety drone programs nationwide.
“This achievement reflects APD’s commitment to utilizing advanced technology to serve our community better,” said Mike Lamb, Chief of the Asheville Police Department. “ By utilizing state-of-the-art tools, we’re enhancing officer safety, improving situational awareness, and ensuring a safer environment for everyone in Asheville.
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